Michelin and General Motors revealed a new airless tire prototype early June, which they say will potentially go into production in 2024. Call the Michelin Uptis, for “Unique Puncture-proof Tire System,” the new tire builds on the company’s all-in-one Tweel, and its 3D-printed Vision concept tire. The two companies announced a joint research agreement June 4, under which GM will test the tire under real-world conditions at its facility in Michigan, using a fleet of Chevrolet Volt electric cars. Michelin said the airless Uptis will help driver to feel safer, eliminate issues caused by low tire pressure, and create environmental savings through the reduced use of raw materials for replacement and spare tires. The company also said that approximately 200 million tires are scrapped prematurely each year worldwide, due to punctures, damage or uneven wear caused by improper tire pressure. The Uptis will use proprietary materials and production methods, including lightweight resin-embedded fiberglass reinforcement, sustainable rubber, and aluminum for the
Origin: Michelin and GM want to run airless tires in five years